Martinsville, VA
The Harvest Foundation Awards Nearly $64,000 in Project Hope Grants
The Harvest Foundation celebrated the awarding of nearly $64,000 in Project Hope grants at a recent event held at the Bassett Train Station Event Center. The celebration recognized six local organizations and volunteer groups dedicated to enhancing their communities.
Harvest Foundation President Kate Keller opened the event, reflecting on the origins of Project Hope, which began as a celebration of the foundation's 20th anniversary. Since its inception in 2022, Project Hope has evolved into a significant initiative promoting volunteerism and community engagement.
“Project Hope is about fostering energy and possibility throughout Martinsville and Henry County,” Keller stated. “The projects funded today exemplify community collaboration and meaningful connections. When everyone has a voice and support to enact positive change, we collectively share in the hope for a brighter future. We look forward to the lasting impact our grant recipients will create.”
Among the speakers was Susan King Sabin, executive director of the Spencer Penn Centre, who discussed her community garden project funded through the 2023 grants cycle. “I’ve long wanted to establish a community garden and farmer’s market,” Sabin shared. “The idea gained momentum as I learned that many seniors were unable to maintain their gardens. When Harvest announced the Project Hope grants, I realized we could turn this vision into reality.”
Despite facing challenges like weather fluctuations and staffing changes, Sabin rallied local partners, including the Girl Scouts and Magna Vista’s Horticulture Department, to bring the garden to life. The project yielded a massive watermelon that fed attendees at the center and the farmer’s market, showcasing the community’s spirit.
To the new grant recipients, Sabin advised, “Don’t lose sight of your vision. This journey will test you and those around you. Embrace the challenges, seek support from the Harvest staff, and remember that your project will make a difference. When one of us wins, we all win.”
Callie Hietala, a member of the Project Hope Committee and the Communications and Community Outreach Coordinator for Martinsville City Public Schools, shared her experience of moving to Martinsville-Henry County during the pandemic. “It’s easy to point out problems and succumb to hopelessness,” she said. “However, you’ve chosen to take action. Your dreams and initiatives reflect a refusal to accept the status quo, and they give me hope for our community.”
Danny Wulff, a member of the Harvest Foundation Board of Directors, underscored the importance of hope in Martinsville and Henry County, expressing gratitude to the speakers and encouragement to this year's grant winners.
Project Hope aims to fund small projects that encourage volunteer involvement and uplift the MHC community. Grant awards are capped at $15,000 and must be completed within a year. This year's theme, "Community Connections," focused on creating inclusive spaces, fostering meaningful interactions, and empowering community members.
A committee of 13 local “hope builders” evaluates grant applications and allocates funding. Members of the 2024 Project Hope Committee include Maite Arroyo-Torres, Callie Hietala, Robbie Knight, Beth Marshall, Teresa Fontaine, Chloe Mayhew, Wayne Moore, Jonathan Martin, LaDonna Hairston, Tekela Redd, Sandy Hines, Tracey Shively, and Ron Morris.
The Harvest Foundation will release a request for proposals (RFP) for next year’s grants in the summer of 2025. For updates and more information, visit theharvestfoundation.org/project-hope or call (276) 632-3329.
2024 Project Hope Grant Recipients:
$4,800 to the MHC Pride Coalition for the “Pride All Year” initiative, promoting local pride events.
$5,025 to Smith Memorial United Methodist Church for the “Martinsville Henry County Social Club,” supporting individuals with chronic mental illness.
$15,000 to the Salvation Army of Martinsville & Henry County for the “Community Garden, Mural, and Picnic Area” project.
$9,000 to Starling Avenue Baptist Church for the summer “Critter Camp” program.
$15,000 to the Preston Community Center for renovation and beautification efforts.
$15,000 to the Virginia Museum of Natural History Foundation for the “Horticulture Opportunities Promoting the Environment (HOPE): Growing Strong Communities” project, which will establish a community greenhouse for educational and social use.
The Harvest Foundation will release a request for proposals (RFP) for next year’s grants in the summer of 2025. For updates and more information, visit theharvestfoundation.org/project-hope or call (276) 632-3329.
2024 Project Hope Grant Recipients:
$4,800 to the MHC Pride Coalition for the “Pride All Year” initiative, promoting local pride events.
$5,025 to Smith Memorial United Methodist Church for the “Martinsville Henry County Social Club,” supporting individuals with chronic mental illness.
$15,000 to the Salvation Army of Martinsville & Henry County for the “Community Garden, Mural, and Picnic Area” project.
$9,000 to Starling Avenue Baptist Church for the summer “Critter Camp” program.
$15,000 to the Preston Community Center for renovation and beautification efforts.
$15,000 to the Virginia Museum of Natural History Foundation for the “Horticulture Opportunities Promoting the Environment (HOPE): Growing Strong Communities” project, which will establish a community greenhouse for educational and social use.
Comments